Clair Francis Loutzenhiser, 91

Clair Francis Loutzenhiser, 91, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2004, at his home near Sandpoint, Idaho.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m.. Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at the First Baptist Church in Flagler, Colo., with burial to follow at Flagler Cemetery. A private family visitation was held at Coffelt's Moon Chapel in Sandpoint.

Clair was born on Dec. 30, 1912, in Jewels County, Kan., the son of Ernest and Edit (Wildman) Loutzenhiser. He grew up in Kansas and moved to eastern Colorado as a young teenager. He started farming with his father around the Flagler, Colo., area and became an auctioneer. He was very proud of the fact that he never had to use a microphone.

At the age of 62, he retired from cattle farming and moved into Flagler. He raised a garden every year and couldn't wait until spring so he could plant once again. He would often start his tomato plants inside to get a head start. His garden grew well and he would take his vegetables to the county fair year after year.

Clair married Agnes Page on Nov. 7, 1937, in Flagler, Colo. In September 2002, he and his wife moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, to be with family.

While living in Flagler, they enjoyed playing cards of all kinds and getting together with friends once a month for their supper clubs. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Flagler, Colo.

Clair is survived by three children, F. Stanley (Clara) Loutzenhiser of Roseville, Calif., Zetah (Bill) Pracht of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Loyd (Diane) Loutzenhiser of Sandpoint; 10 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rex Loutzenhiser and Millard Loutzenhiser; and a sister, Lila Brower.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Agnes.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.